JEFFERSON CITY, Mo – Missouri elementary, middle and home school students K-8 are invited to help in the fight against litter in the Show-Me State -- and to have creative and educational fun -- by participating in the 2013 “Yes You CAN Make Missouri Litter-Free” trash-can-decorating contest.

The annual contest is sponsored by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) as part of the state’s “No MOre Trash!” (NMT) statewide litter campaign. This partnership between MDC and MoDOT, along with thousands of volunteers, is working to prevent and reduce litter in Missouri through education, prevention and cleanup activities.

The trash-can contest encourages school classes and groups to join in the fight against litter by decorating and displaying a large trash can with the “No MOre Trash!” logo and a litter-prevention message using a variety of creative media.

“In addition to teaching kids about how litter hurts them, their communities and their environment, the contest gives students an opportunity to help prevent littering by creating and providing a trash can with the No MOre Trash! message in their schools or communities,” says MoDOT NMT Coordinator Stacy Armstrong.

Schools may submit one entry in each competition category: K-2, 3-5 and 6-8. Entries are judged based on creativity, adherence to contest rules and effective use of theme and logo. First-place winners from each competition category receive $200 awarded to the sponsoring schools. All first-place winners are then eligible for a grand prize of a trophy and $600 awarded to the sponsoring school.

There is no entry fee for the contest. Participating school groups must submit a completed entry form online and up to three photos to nomoretrash.org by March 8. Contest rules, entry forms, logo, past contest entries and winners, and educational information can also be found at nomoretrash.org.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average American generates 4.3 pounds of solid waste per day. Based on this average and the state’s population of approximately six million people, Missouri accounts for more than 25 million pounds of garbage in one day – more than nine billion pounds of trash per year.

Littering is illegal in Missouri and can result in a fine of up to $1,000 and one year in jail.

The Missouri Department of Conservation protects and manages the state’s forest, fish and wildlife resources. MDC also facilitates and provides opportunities for all citizens to use, enjoy and learn about these resources.

The Missouri Department of Transportation works with the public, transportation partners, state and federal legislators and other state and local agencies to provide a safe and efficient transportation system to the people of Missouri.

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MDC protects and manages Missouri's fish, forest, and wildlife resources. We also facilitate your participation in resource-management activities, and we provide opportunities for you to use, enjoy and learn about nature. Read more about our mission.